They say after an atomic explosion, there is a vacuum that is created at the epicenter, and can be just as destructive as the explosion itself.

Grunge had this impact, and we are still feeling its vacuum-effect today. There are many bands labeled, most by their record label, as “The Next Big Thing.” However, they hardly ever live up to the hype.

One example of this phenomena is Dredg. With their debut album, Leitmotif, the band valiantly tries to create a new and “unique” sound, but instead creates only confusion. It does, however, have its good points.

From the first song, “Movement 1: @45 degrees N. 180 degrees W.” it is readily apparent that this album wasn’t made for radio. In fact, the songs move together so flawlessly, it is hard to tell when one song ends and another begins. On the one hand, it is always refreshing to hear an album that cohesively combines the song into a single statement, but there are limits.

In their attempt at this cohesive feel, the band sacrifices individual song quality. What’s the point in labeling different songs if all of them are the same?

Looking in the album sleeve, there seem to be pages upon pages of lyrics about all sorts of things in these songs. Apparently (sigh), this is a concept album.

The lyrics on the album are borderline nonexistent, and when a voice is audible, it’s incomprehensible. Then again, with song titles like “Traversing Through the Arctic Cold We Search for the Spirit of Yuta,” I hardly think there’s much to be missed.

The quality of the rest of the band is very respectable, though. I would name them, but that information isn’t important enough to cite anywhere in the documentation I have. Remember, this is a band project, so why should individuals be recognized anyways?

Moving on, the music created is atmospheric and cerebral, but not enough to be interesting.

If I had to compare them to another band, it would probably be someone like Tool, but without the respectability. Still, those who like Tool might want to give this album a spin.

Taken as a whole, Dredg far outreaches its grasp with Leitmotif. It is a concept album, with little concept at all. Besides, what pretentious jerks do a concept album as a debut album?

Concept albums are the realm of established acts trying to branch out. These guys don’t even have a base to branch out from! The more I listen to this album the more I weep for the future. D